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Conti V, Polcaro G, De Bellis E, Donnarumma D, De Rosa F, Stefanelli B, Corbi G, Sabbatino F, Filippelli A. Natural Health Products for Anti-Cancer Treatment: Evidence and Controversy. J Pers Med 2024; 14:685. [PMID: 39063939 PMCID: PMC11278393 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural Health Products (NHPs) have long been considered a valuable therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. However, research on this topic has led to inconclusive and often controversial results. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update of the effects and mechanisms related to the use of NHPs, to describe the results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on their effects in cancer patients, and to critically discuss factors influencing clinical outcomes. RCTs available in the literature, even those studying the same NHP, are very heterogeneous in terms of indications, doses, route and timing of administration, and outcomes evaluated. Silymarin, ginsenoside, and vitamin E appear to be useful in attenuating adverse events related to radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and curcumin and lycopene might provide some benefit in patients with prostate cancer. Most RCTs have not clarified whether NHP supplementation provides any real benefit, while harmful effects have been shown in some cases. Overall, the available data suggest that although there is some evidence to support the benefits of NHPs in the management of cancer patients, further clinical trials with the same design are needed before their introduction into clinical practice can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Conti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.C.); (G.P.); (F.D.R.); (B.S.); (F.S.); (A.F.)
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona University Hospital, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanna Polcaro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.C.); (G.P.); (F.D.R.); (B.S.); (F.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Emanuela De Bellis
- PhD School “Clinical and Translational Oncology (CTO)”, Scuola Superiore Meridionale, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Danilo Donnarumma
- PhD School “Clinical and Translational Oncology (CTO)”, Scuola Superiore Meridionale, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Federica De Rosa
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.C.); (G.P.); (F.D.R.); (B.S.); (F.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Berenice Stefanelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.C.); (G.P.); (F.D.R.); (B.S.); (F.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Graziamaria Corbi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesco Sabbatino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.C.); (G.P.); (F.D.R.); (B.S.); (F.S.); (A.F.)
- Oncology Unit, University Hospital “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona”, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Amelia Filippelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.C.); (G.P.); (F.D.R.); (B.S.); (F.S.); (A.F.)
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona University Hospital, 84131 Salerno, Italy
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Dennis CD, Dillon JT, Patel PH, Cohen DJ, Halquist MS, Pearcy AC, Boyan BD, Schwartz Z. Laryngeal Cancer Cells Metabolize 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 3 and Respond to 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 via a Mechanism Dependent on Estrogen Receptor Levels. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1635. [PMID: 38730587 PMCID: PMC11083835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have evaluated vitamin D3's therapeutic potential in estrogen-responsive cancers, with conflicting findings. We have shown that the proliferation of breast cancer cells is regulated by 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24R,25(OH)2D3) depending on estrogen receptor alpha 66 (ERα66) expression, suggesting that this could also be the case for estrogen-sensitive laryngeal cancer cells. Accordingly, we examined levels of ERα isoforms in ERα66-positive UM-SCC-12 and ERα66-negative UM-SCC-11A cells and their response to 24R,25(OH)2D3. 24R,25(OH)2D3 stimulated proliferation, increased the expression of metastatic markers, and inhibited apoptosis in UM-SCC-12 cells while having the opposite effect in UM-SCC-11A cells. To evaluate if vitamin metabolites could act via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms, we assessed the expression, protein levels, and activity of vitamin D3 hydroxylases CYP24A1 and CYP27B1. Both cell types expressed both mRNAs; but the levels of the enzymes and their activities were differentially regulated by estrogen. ERα66-negative UM-SCC-11A cells produced more 24,25(OH)2D3 than UM-SCC-12 cells, but comparable levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 when treated with 25(OH)D3 These results suggest that the regulation of vitamin D3 metabolism in laryngeal cancer cells is modulated by ERα66 expression, and support a role for 24R,25(OH)2D3 as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of laryngeal cancer. The local metabolism of 25(OH)D3 should be considered when determining the potential of vitamin D3 in laryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cydney D. Dennis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (C.D.D.); (J.T.D.); (P.H.P.); (D.J.C.); (B.D.B.)
| | - Jonathan T. Dillon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (C.D.D.); (J.T.D.); (P.H.P.); (D.J.C.); (B.D.B.)
| | - Prit H. Patel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (C.D.D.); (J.T.D.); (P.H.P.); (D.J.C.); (B.D.B.)
| | - David J. Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (C.D.D.); (J.T.D.); (P.H.P.); (D.J.C.); (B.D.B.)
| | - Matthew S. Halquist
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (M.S.H.); (A.C.P.)
- Bioanalytical Core Laboratory, Central Virginia Drug Abuse Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Adam C. Pearcy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (M.S.H.); (A.C.P.)
| | - Barbara D. Boyan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (C.D.D.); (J.T.D.); (P.H.P.); (D.J.C.); (B.D.B.)
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (C.D.D.); (J.T.D.); (P.H.P.); (D.J.C.); (B.D.B.)
- Department of Periodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Golonko A, Pienkowski T, Swislocka R, Orzechowska S, Marszalek K, Szczerbinski L, Swiergiel AH, Lewandowski W. Dietary factors and their influence on immunotherapy strategies in oncology: a comprehensive review. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:254. [PMID: 38594256 PMCID: PMC11004013 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is emerging as a promising avenue in oncology, gaining increasing importance and offering substantial advantages when compared to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, in the context of immunotherapy, there is the potential for the immune system to either support or hinder the administered treatment. This review encompasses recent and pivotal studies that assess the influence of dietary elements, including vitamins, fatty acids, nutrients, small dietary molecules, dietary patterns, and caloric restriction, on the ability to modulate immune responses. Furthermore, the article underscores how these dietary factors have the potential to modify and enhance the effectiveness of anticancer immunotherapy. It emphasizes the necessity for additional research to comprehend the underlying mechanisms for optimizing the efficacy of anticancer therapy and defining dietary strategies that may reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Persistent investigation in this field holds significant promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes and maximizing the benefits of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Golonko
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
- Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Pienkowski
- Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Renata Swislocka
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45 E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sylwia Orzechowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krystian Marszalek
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Szczerbinski
- Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Artur Hugo Swiergiel
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdansk, W. Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz Lewandowski
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45 E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
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Alatawi FS, Faridi U. Anticancer and anti-metastasis activity of 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferols and genistein in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21975. [PMID: 38034665 PMCID: PMC10682641 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A powerful steroid hormone precursor, 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferols (1,25(OH)2D3), and dietary phytoestrogen (genistein) are essential compounds that act by binding to nuclear receptors and altering gene expression. They have many biological benefits, some of which have anticancer properties. We studied the impact of 1,25(OH)2D3 and genistein on the proliferation, progression, and metastasis of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells when they were used alone or in combination and investigated whether there was a synergistic effect between genistein and 1,25(OH)2D3. To achieve these goals, a variety of assays, including flow cytometry, cell invasion assays, cell adhesion assays, Western blotting, and RT‒PCR, were used. Our findings showed that genistein, 1,25(OH)2D3, and the two combined all effectively declined the growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by arresting the cells in the G0/G1 phase and inducing an apoptotic pathway. Stimulation of apoptosis was achieved by upregulating the expression of BAX and CASP3 genes and downregulating the expression levels of BCL-2 gene. Furthermore, both compounds suppress metastasis by reducing cell adhesion and cell migration/invasion by elevating the expression level of E-cadherin and reducing the expression level of P-cadherin and N-cadherin. Additionally, both genistein and 1,25(OH)2D3 increased the expression level of ERK1 and reduced the expression levels of JNK, p38, Ras, and MEK proteins, which reduced metastasis, enhanced the response to cancer treatment, and improved overall survival. Thus, genistein and 1,25(OH)2D3 can both be considered key candidates in the search for new breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Suliman Alatawi
- Faculty of Sciences, Biochemistry Department, Science College, University of Tabuk, Tabuk Saudi Arabia
| | - Uzma Faridi
- Faculty of Sciences, Biochemistry Department, Science College, University of Tabuk, Tabuk Saudi Arabia
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Dennis C, Dillon J, Cohen DJ, Halquist MS, Pearcy AC, Schwartz Z, Boyan BD. Local production of active vitamin D 3 metabolites in breast cancer cells by CYP24A1 and CYP27B1. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 232:106331. [PMID: 37244301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The role of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in cancer and especially as a treatment option has been widely disputed. Clinicians noting low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels in their patients, recommend vitamin D3 supplementation as a method of reducing the risk of cancer; however, data supporting this are inconsistent. These studies rely on systemic 25(OH)D3 as an indicator of hormone status, but 25(OH)D3 is further metabolized in the kidney and other tissues under regulation by several factors. This study examined if breast cancer cells also possess the ability to metabolize 25(OH)D3, and if so, whether the resulting metabolites are secreted locally; if this ability reflects ERα66 status; and if they possess vitamin D receptors (VDR). To address this question, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positive (MCF-7) and ERα negative (HCC38 and MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines were examined for expression of ERα66, ERα36, CYP24A1, CYP27B1, and VDR as well as for local production of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] after treatment with 25(OH)D3. The results showed that independent of ER status, breast cancer cells express the enzymes CYP24A1 and CYP27B1, which are responsible for converting 25(OH)D3 into its dihydroxylated forms. Moreover, these metabolites are produced at levels comparable to the levels observed in blood. They are positive for VDR, indicating that they can respond to 1α,25(OH)2D3, which can upregulate CYP24A1. These findings suggest that vitamin D metabolites may contribute to the tumorigenicity of breast cancer via autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cydney Dennis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Jonathan Dillon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - David J Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Matthew S Halquist
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Bioanalytical Core Laboratory, Central Virginia Drug Abuse Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Adam C Pearcy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; Department of Periodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Barbara D Boyan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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Chen B, Jin L. Low serum level of 25-OH vitamin D relates to Th17 and treg changes in colorectal cancer patients. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e723. [PMID: 36301026 PMCID: PMC9597490 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level alters in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Regulatory T (Treg) cells and T- helper type 17 (Th17) cells are involved in immune response. Th17-mediated proinflammatory responses contribute to tumorigenesis, and Treg plays different roles in different periods of CRC. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significant variations in peripheral immune cells. This study investigated the relationship between Th17 and Treg cells and 25(OH)D level in CRC. METHODS Ninety-five CRC patients were included, as well as 80 healthy controls during the same period at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University. 25(OH)D level was analyzed through electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA). Th17 and Treg levels were evaluated through flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, IL-23, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), were analyzed through commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits. RESULTS 25(OH)D levels were downregulated in the serum of CRC patients. Decreased 25(OH)D level contributed to CRC pathogenesis. Decreased 25(OH)D level in CRC correlated with increased Treg and Th17 cell ratios and TGF-β1, IL-10, IL-17, and IL-23 levels in peripheral blood. CONCLUSION Decreased 25(OH)D level in the serum of CRC patients had negative correlation with Treg and Th17 ratios and relative cytokines levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Chen
- Department of Gastroenterologythe Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityJiangsuWuxiChina
| | - Liugen Jin
- Department of Gastroenterologythe Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityJiangsuWuxiChina
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